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The Doshas, Ayurvedic Body Types
Why you are how you are?

Ayurveda recognizes three main body types and seven mixed body types

Vata - Have a thin-framed body, whether they are tall or short. Their joints crack easily. If they do gain weight it will be around the middle. Their skin will have a tendency to be dry, rough and cool to the touch. Hair may be dark, dry and kinky and prone to dandruff. Teeth are often crooked, protruded with spaces and tendency toward receded gums. Eyes can be small, dry, active, black or brown. Appetite is often variable or low. If they become sick, pain and nervous disorders are likely. Thirst is variable, urine is irregular and scanty, and bowel movements are often gassy, dry, hard and constipated. May expend their energy easily and rely on caffeine, sugar and stimulants to continue. The mind is restless, active, curious and creative. Under stress they can become fearful, insecure and anxious. They change their mind easily, forget easily, yet have clear understanding and a good short term memory. Vata is all movement in the body, all activities of the nervous system, all of the processes of elimination, all muscular movement and all cellular movement.

Pitta - This type has a moderate frame, with a tendency towards being slender. They can gain or lose weight relatively easily; have great appetites which require regular meals. Skin is often delicate, oily, burns easily, with a coppery or yellowish tone and is warm to touch. Freckles and moles are common with a tendency to acne. They perspire readily. Hair is soft, blond or red, graying early with a tendency to early thinning or balding. Eyes are sharp penetrating gray, green, with a yellowish tint to the sclera (whites). If they become ill they will experience fever, inflammation and infection. Often thirsty. Pittas enjoy moderate activity and love competition due to their aggressive nature. Intelligent and determined with a sharp memory, making excellent leaders, managers, in high positions with a high sense of responsibility. You can often tell a Pitta by their passion, high directed energy and commitment. Under stress they can be irritable, driving, angry and jealous. All body functions concerned with heat, such as; functions of liver, spleen, hormonal changes, skin, small intestines, brain, digestion, assimilation, thirst, appetite and sight are associated with Pitta.

Kapha - The pure Kapha is easy to recognize having large bodies on large frames. Hawaiians are a Kapha people with a skin that is thick, oily, cool to the touch, pale and white. Sweat is moderate. They have strong bodies, gain weight easily and must exercise to lose it. Hair is thick, oily, wavy with thick eyebrows and lashes. Teeth are strong, white, large and well formed. Eyes are big and attractive. Appetite is slow and steady, although they can easily skip meals without effect. If Kaphas become ill, congestion, excess mucous and water retention are common. They rarely experience thirst. Peaceful and content, moving slowly and wasting little energy. Endurance is good. Slow to learn new things, they seldom forget anything once learned. Speech is slow and monotonous or melodious. Longevity of the cells, strength, stamina, stability, physiology. Kapha represents all structural aspects of the physical and solid parts of the body frame, physical growth, protection from heat, and lubrication of the joints.

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